mc-oluomo-elected-as-nurtw-president---the-guardian-nigeria-news

MC Oluomo's Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has sparked both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria's transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly referred to as MC Oluomo, has emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following a consensus election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union's Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a significant milestone in the questionable figure's profession trajectory while raising serious concerns about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states-- Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti-- took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole candidate.

The procedure was monitored by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The election also led to the visit of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
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In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, "I have actually forgiven everybody who angered me, and I wish those I angered would forgive me as well. This is our union, and we should be devoted to its conservation. We will not allow anybody to ruin our methods of income."
A Controversial Past
However, MC Oluomo's ascension to the national presidency comes with substantial baggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable function in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was captured on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, cautioning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later declared the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed "Iya Chukwudi," the incident caused prevalent condemnation and requires his arrest.

The after-effects of his hazards emerged in election day violence, where political goons allegedly carried out civil-war-era-style "eye tests" to recognize Igbo voters, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring worldwide travel bans against him, mentioning his function in prompting ethnic violence.
bet9ja.com Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation workers, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo's rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management design and declared use of union resources for personal gain as considerable concerns.
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The group specified, "MC Oluomo's management design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for personal gain, ignoring members' welfare." They also raised issues about his ability to efficiently lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management design.
bit.ly The NURTW's Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a follower to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has evolved from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually ended up being deeply embedded in Nigeria's political landscape, typically acting as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union's structure, which extends from major cities to remote locations, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local neighborhoods. This has actually led to changing what was initially a transportation workers' union into what some critics refer to as a sophisticated network for political mobilization and, sometimes, intimidation.
bit.ly Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo's increase exemplifies the complex relationship in between transportation unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest's political campaigns and mobilization efforts, consisting of noteworthy involvement in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have often been slammed for blurring the lines between legitimate union activities and political thuggery. Throughout the 2023 elections, his company was accused of interfering with ballot units and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition fans.
bet9ja.com Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The controversial nature of MC Oluomo's management has caused numerous legal challenges. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of necessary electoral procedures.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the national management of the NURTW, concerns stay about the union's future direction and role in Nigeria's political landscape.
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While his supporters celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transportation sector, critics stress over the prospective nationwide expansion of what they view as a harmful combination of transport union power and political influence.
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The consultation likewise raises wider questions about the requirement for reform within Nigeria's transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the nation continues to grapple with issues of democratic combination and ethnic harmony, the role of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of extreme dispute and analysis.

This development works as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria's democratic organizations and the influence of non-state actors in the nation's political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely viewed by advocates and critics alike, with considerable ramifications for the transportation sector and Nigeria's wider political landscape.